A1 Journal article (refereed)
When Despair Takes Over : Suicide Conversations in an Online Counseling Chat Service for Youth (2025)
Helfer, A., Kataja, K., & Pitkänen, T. (2025). When Despair Takes Over : Suicide Conversations in an Online Counseling Chat Service for Youth. Child & Youth Services, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1080/0145935x.2024.2437758
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Helfer, Alix; Kataja, Kati; Pitkänen, Tuuli
Journal or series: Child & Youth Services
ISSN: 0145-935X
eISSN: 1545-2298
Publication year: 2025
Publication date: 05/01/2025
Volume: Early online
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Publication country: United States
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0145935x.2024.2437758
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/99249
Abstract
We examined how suicide is discussed online in chat counseling services for youth. The data included 4,340 chat conversations between young service users and adult counselors. Conversations using the word suicide (n = 558; 12.9%) were filtered, and conversations by 31 boys and 31 girls aged 15–29 years were selected for in-depth analyses; of these conversations 24 depicted previous suicide attempts and 15 suicide plans. Common reasons discussed were prolonged mental health challenges and fragmented relationships. Our results showed that young people seek help for suicidal behavior online; thus, professionalism and careful ethical consideration are needed when providing chat services.
Keywords: suicide; young people; online chatting; online discussion; counselling; online services; mental well-being; mental ill-health; depression (mental disorders)
Free keywords: chat; counseling; online services; suicide; young people
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2025
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1